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Outreach projects figure in celebration
By LINDA M. LINONIS
boardman
Outreach projects, local and far away, figure prominently in the 50th anniversary celebration of St. Luke Church, 5235 South Ave.
A stewardship prayer recited after Masses motivated the congregation, said Madeline Cuzic, anniversary committee chairwoman. A phrase from the prayer ... “to bring God’s love to the community and world” provided the impetus. “Our task is to find a way to show compassion by serving and giving,” she said.
The anniversary committee and Knights of Columbus Council 12756 of the church are working on a food drive during March. Other fundraisers are for Food for the Poor, a worldwide project.
Donations of nonperishable food items are being collected. “We’re encouraging members to contribute but welcome donations from anyone,” said Sue Magrini, an anniversary committeee member.
Cuzic said local recipients will be St. Vincent de Paul food pantry and Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley, both Youngstown.
Sister Millie Ely, food pantry manager, said donations are “a tremendous help because it’s something we don’t have to buy.” She noted the “consistent” need for food by pantry patrons, who are referred by parishes and agencies. Sister Millie said she expected the number of people to be served this year to be about 10,000, on par with last year.
Jim Echment, associate executive director of the Rescue Mission, said a $2,000 donation from St. Luke late last year accounted for 3 percent of the mission’s $60,000 annual food budget. “In terms of helping us provide 300 to 400 meals daily ... the contribution is significant,” he said.
The money, Cuzic explained, came from 40 Days of Thanks, timed around Thanksgiving, to collect funds.
The Rescue Mission earmarks food donations for its emergency distribution for needy Valley residents. Recipients can access this help up to four times annually.
“It’s gratifying to see so many churches step up in this needy environment,” Echment said, adding “it takes some of the burden.”
Bob Kelty, a K. of C. member, said those who donate a case of food or five items will have their names included in a gas card drawing. He said the pastor, the Rev. Joseph Fata, encourages the K. of C. and congregation as a whole to be a giving faith community.
“The food ministry is part of the calling of the church,” Magrini said. “As Christians, we must help those in need.”
In January, the church conducted a “white sale” by collecting towels, bedding, blankets, comforters and other linens. This donation also went to the mission, which also will receive a collection of paper and personal care products in September.
The church of 980 families also is fundraising for a Food for the Poor project in Haiti. Cuzic said the goal is $3,682, which will provide a family with a new house with sanitation, rice and beans for a year, help provide a source of income (such as a sewing machine), school supplies including books and uniforms for two children and clothing and shoes.
Cuzic said funds from an ongoing sale of bronze ornaments featuring St. Luke Church and its bell tower made by Wendell August Forge, Grove City, Pa., will go toward the house in Haiti. Other small fund-raisers also are being held.
St. Luke’s anniversary will culminate with a Mass and dinner in the fall.